Changes to workplace laws for franchisors and holding companies

On 27 October 2017, new laws relating to franchisors and holding companies took effect.

These laws (liability provisions) mean that franchisors and holding companies can be held responsible if their franchisees or subsidiaries don’t follow workplace laws (if they knew or should have known and could have prevented it).

These changes are part of the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017. Most of the changes (such as those relating to 'serious contraventions', increased penalties, pay slips and record-keeping, and our powers in investigations) took effect on 15 September2017. Read about these changes on our protecting vulnerable workers reform page.

What do the changes mean for you?

The changes apply to franchisors that have a significant amount of influence or control over the business affairs of the franchisee. Holding companies have control over the affairs of their subsidiaries by definition.

You could be held responsible if your franchisees or subsidiaries don’t follow workplace laws about:

The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing advice that you can rely on.

The information contained on this website is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation
you can call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or workplace relations professional.

Visitors are warned that this site may inadvertently contain names or pictures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people who have recently died.